The Trent and Mersey Canal at Barton under Needwood, where Simon BIDDULPH was born in 1761. The canal road bridge was built in the late 18th century in red brick with stone coping to provide transportation over the newly built canal, which went between the River Trent and the River Mersey. The Trent and Mersey Canal was built between 1766 and 1777 by James Brindley and Hugh Henshall, and would doubtless have been a fascinating site for the young Simon as a child.

Photo by Rod Mackay.